Opinion | Coronavirus vaccine scams pose a growing threat to the global economy and public health

If left unchecked, trade in counterfeit goods has the potential to grow at a time when we face an unprecedented health and economic crisis

Consumers must be vigilant amid increasing demand for vaccines and not let counterfeiters capitalise on their fear and impatience

Reading Time:3 minutes

Hundreds of ampoules of fake Covid-19 vaccine were seized by police from a warehouse in Germiston, South Africa. Photo: Interpol

Published: 3:30am, 21 Apr 2021Updated: 3:37am, 21 Apr 2021

The World Health Organization and Interpol recently raised concerns about a spike in fake coronavirus vaccines. The news came at a time when vaccine shortages are slowing the progress of immunisation campaigns in many countries.

The alarm call highlights the growing threat of illegal trade and counterfeit goods. If left unchecked, it risks allowing the illegal industry to grow at a time when we face an unprecedented health and economic crisis.

For consumers, the dangers extend beyond receiving a vaccine that offers no protection against the virus. Counterfeit products might not do what they claim, and the ingredients could cause adverse effects or interfere with essential medicines.

Substandard and falsified medicines can also create a false sense of security, leaving the individual vulnerable to infection and increasing the risk of transmission of the illness to others.

The issue with fake coronavirus vaccines is a global problem. China recently arrested the leader of a multimillion-dollar vaccine scam who made a profit of 18 million yuan (US$2.8 million) by putting saline solution or mineral water in syringes and hawking them as Covid-19 vaccines.

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